Hapee hopes to make the most out of its unexpected return to the championship series when it battles first-time finalist Cafe France in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup Thursday.
“We’re given a chance, so we have to be ready,” Hapee coach Ronnie Magasnoc said after his Fresh Fighters crashed into the Finals as the fourth seed.
The Fresh Fighters and the Bakers clash in Game 1 of the best-of-three Finals at 3 p.m. at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
After surviving do-or-die matches in the last two rounds, the Fresh Fighters hope to come out with their old energy against the well-rested Bakers, the No. 2 seed that had an easier road to the Finals.
“[Cafe France] is a very disciplined team,” said Magsanoc. “They always play with purpose and direction. They made it to the Finals seamlessly and quietly. They’re fresh.”
Banking on Samboy de Leon, Eloy Poligrates and Rodrigue Ebondo, the Bakers jumped straight to the Final Four after finishing second in the eliminations. And they stayed on a roll with a sweep of Cagayan Valley, 2-0, in the semifinals.
“We now have the experience and the boys are jelling,” said Cafe France coach Egay Macaraya.
The Fresh Fighters—who had to deal with the absence of several stars due to various reasons—ousted No. 1 Cebuana Lhuillier, 2-1, in the semifinals behind Art dela Cruz, Chris Newsome and Ola Adeogun.
The Fresh Fighters will be boosted by the return of national team players Troy Rosario, Baser Amer and Scottie Thompson.